Each contestant signs a contract in which they say they have never been convicted of any criminal offense and there are no charges pending against them.

Gafvert, however, pleaded no contest in June to several criminal charges, including driving while intoxicated. A plea of no contest is considered a conviction, putting her in violation of that contract.

40/29 News has contacted the Miss Arkansas organization and the Miss America organization several times over the last month. Neither organization has responded to the inquiries.

Tonya Holben, who has a daughter competing in the pageant, said rules are rules and everyone should have to follow them.

“The rules are set there for a reason,” Holben said. “I think all the girls should have to go by the same rules. There’s no sense in letting one go breaking the rules, you know. It’s just not right.”

Gafvert’s attorney has not responded to request for comment. The pageant is scheduled to start Friday at 7:30 p.m. The winners of Friday's round will compete for the Miss Arkansas title.